Link between weather and chronic pain – new research findings
Evidence of a link between weather conditions and changes in people’s level of chronic pain has been revealed by experts from The University of Manchester.
The Cloudy with a Chance of Pain Study is halfway through and seems to show a correlation between the number of sunny days and rainfall levels and changes in pain levels.
Over 9,000 people are taking part in the research. People with long-term pain have access to a smartphone app that records their daily pain symptoms. The app independently captures hourly weather conditions, so pain trends can be linked with local weather events.
Interim data for three cities, London, Leeds and Norwich, shows that as the number of sunny days increased from February to April, the amount of time people spent experiencing severe pain decreased. Chronic pain levels flared up again in June, when the weather was wetter and there were fewer hours of sunshine.
“Once the link is proven, people will have the confidence to plan their activities in accordance with the weather,” says Prof Will Dixon, who is leading the work. “In addition, understanding how weather influences pain will allow medical researchers to explore new pain interventions and treatments.”
Dr Stephen Simpson, director of research and programmes at Arthritis Research UK, comments:
“Many people with arthritis report that changes in weather affect the level of pain they experience, but to date there has been no scientific evidence to support this link. Although this study is not yet complete, it is potentially exciting that the interim results indicate there might be correlation between the two.
“The more participants we have in the study, the stronger the final data will be, so we’re urging people to take part and share their experiences via the Cloudy app. Equally exciting is the new opportunity this study brings to engage and involve people with arthritis; patient involvement in all aspects of our research is something the charity is passionate about.”
Want to get involved?
The team is keen to recruit more people who are willing to track their symptoms. Anyone interested can sign up here: www.cloudywithachanceofpain.com.
For more in-depth features, interviews and information, subscribe to Arthritis Digest magazine, a popular title that’s published six times a year. Click here for the digital version or tel 0845 643 8470 to order your had copy. You’ll know what your doctor is talking about, what new drugs are in the pipeline and be up to date on helpful products.
